Humor

Surprise! A Little Extra Joy Is The Thing That Can Be Extracted After Porcupines Quill Us!

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
a hedgehog on the ground

Today’s newsletter consists of two parts:

Part 1 – A story (about ME!!!) – Written by my daughter, Esther!

Part 2 – An explanation (also by ME!) of why I randomly thought of porcupines after reading this!

Additional profound extrapolations of the text (by ME! – Of course!) are in the footnotes!

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Part 1: Story by Esther

Sparse and invisible rain floats gently from the sky, sometimes merging on the skin or the pavement as several droplets.

The speckled street gives way to the cars that cruise amiably down it.

There is no rush in this town; there is a sense of welcome and leisure despite busy schedules and people filled with excitement for the day. Everyone knows everyone else by name, and even if one wanted to stay anonymous, one could not. The small businesses are like people; each one has their personality.

Or perhaps it is due to the lack of stores that each of them stands out all the more brightly.

One couple meanders down the street, hand in hand.

He is tall and strong, but his face radiates gentleness, and his laughter shows not only on his face but also in his eyes. The woman1 mirrors many of the same features, but her eyes gleam with a fire of intensity not commonly found. Despite this, her kindness (See Footnote 1) is evident in the smile lines around her mouth and her loving (See Footnote 1) eyes.

Woe unto the person who stumbles across the man’s path while he is hungry.

And woe unto the person who stumbles across the woman’s path when the woman is tired.2 Yet, they grow together. They challenge each other. They fight the battles of life together, side by side. They complement each other (See Footnote 1) with a bond made one of the strongest in the world.

The couple passes by the library, a place steeped in magic.

It is a chest that holds the secrets of life and beauty, and its key is given generously, though not many take it. Those who deem it ridiculous are those who refuse the key, but to the one who graciously takes it, wonders are in store. The couple’s two children are currently there, for the couple sees their melancholy dog sitting patiently outside, waiting for someone to pet him. He gets up and furiously wags his tail, assured that this means he is finally going home. After reassuring the dog that they would be back soon and trying to ignore the forsaken and betrayed look in his eyes, the couple wanders up the steps and into the library.

There they find a friend and exchange greetings. The man is asked about his work. His hands, though gentle and unassuming, have ministered to and helped thousands, but by his humble3 nature, he never boasts.

His wife, who stands beside him, is just as accomplished (See Footnote 1), with a heart for the betterment of people’s lives (See Footnote 1) and a passion for the preservation of the planet (See Footnote 1).

She sacrificed her career (See Footnote 1) for her children’s careers, homeschooling and helping them find what interests and motivates them. Sometimes, they drive her crazy. Well, maybe it’s a lot of the time. And sometimes she drives them crazy, too (See Footnote 2). Perhaps it is God growing everyone’s patience4.

The couple breaks away from the conversation and finds their children immersed in their books and hesitant to leave.

The family checks out their stacks of literature and heads to the car, picking up the relieved5 dog on the way. The car slowly pulls out and heads leisurely home. There’s no rush. Or, maybe there is because now the man is hungry.

Part 2: Random Thoughts Including: Porcupine Quills Can Eventually Bring Joy! by Me

I think of porcupines who quill each other when I think of this story. For example, I am mad at my daughter for writing things that are BLATANT lies about me and that don’t make me look as stupendous as I know I am deep down! Anyway, we (for example – HER) each come with our own set of quills, like porcupines, and we accidentally and purposefully (sometimes) quill each other and even ourselves. I.e., Remember when “the man” in the story above gets hungry? Watch out!

However, being quilled by porcupines (ironically) promotes our healing.

Why?

Because in our inevitable relational pain (that THEY cause), we finally draw near to God, who has been calling out and wooing us our entire lives.

And so, as we bring our faces full of another’s (and our own?) quills, God can use this situation to heal US, as He lovingly tends to each quill, sometimes removing it immediately and sometimes giving us healing oil and the strength to persevere.

And we can rest in the confidence of knowing that we are loved by each other (They HAVE TO love you!) and by God.

And this is where we find joy.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy

Ancient Text

Photo Credit – Porcupine by Derek Otway on Unsplash

Footnotes

1 Author of this blog’s note – This is ME! She is talking about ME in this story! That’s how you know I’m famous and important, by the way!!!

2 WAIT – WHA…? I thought she only said NICE stuff about me in public! I’m going to ground her to her room for a month! But wait – she’s flying back to her job and University tomorrow!

3 WHY didn’t she call ME humble? Now I’m even madder! I thought she knew me SO well! (See Footnote 1). Obviously, I see now that she understands NOTHING about me!

4 AMEN!

5 Does she mean “about to pee?”

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

Demonic Art Might Look Like A Fantastic Thing! 3 Reasons Why Jesus Is Even Better!

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
brown cross on brown rock during daytime

Now, I have been compared to Ned Flanders. I’m not sure why because, of course, we all know I am very cool! For example, check out my fashion and modern decor advice HERE, HERE and HERE!

As mentioned HERE, I’ve noticed a disturbing rise in pretty young restaurant servers and other seemingly normal people1 enjoying tattooing their bodies with overtly demonic art.

Why?

That’s my question.

I struggled with this question for a while, which means I thought and thought about it without doing any research or talking to anyone else about it, when it suddenly occurred to me that course, if we want to know the answer to ANYTHING, we only need to ask AI!

AI explains that demonic art is increasingly popular in modern culture for the following reasons:

Satanic symbolism [can be used] to explore moral dilemmas and question power and corruption, [and is] . . . a powerful emblem of change and resistance

Politics And Rights Review

And hey! These themes are very healthy to pursue and are topics I agree should be thought deeply about! My friend Ned told me not to get a demon tattoo, so I won’t, but the spirit behind what people are looking for when embracing this art is something I agree with, too!

But here’s the thing- Jesus has a way cooler way of talking about these themes!

For example, Jesus talked to a DEAD person, too!

Have you ever thought about that?

Of course, when Jesus talked to the dead person, he returned to life, one of the (more than!) three reasons Jesus is so much cooler than demons! Spiritual, intellectual, emotional and sometimes even physical LIFE happens when we hang around a guy like Jesus!

The second reason Jesus is cooler than demons is that when we align ourselves with Jesus, all kinds of great things come into our lives. When we align ourselves with the demonic, we’re very quickly over our heads, as this Exorcist Files Podcast is documenting is happening more and more in Western culture.

The third reason why Jesus is cooler than demons is because Jesus is all about love, and demons are all about hate. For example, think about all the great heroes of the movies you love best, and all of them gave up something so that someone else could flourish. (Sounds a lot like Jesus!2) Demons devour you for their advantage. For example, think about all the bad guys in movies.

And wouldn’t you rather be a good guy than a bad guy?

So try Jesus instead.

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Photo Credit – Cross by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

1 It’s not just Hells Angels members who are tattooing themselves with demons anymore. Hells Angels members are definitely not normal, but NO OFFENCE if you are a Hells Angels member, of course! We like you! Or we don’t like you, I mean, because maybe you don’t want to be liked! Whatever! (Who wouldn’t like to be liked? I thought that being liked gives our lives meaning and purpose! So Hells Angels are definitely whacked!) Note to Editor- I DID say that respectfully! And yes, I DID update my Life Insurance Policy. Why do you ask?

2 Another time, we’ll talk about the book all Disney Writers are encouraged to read so their content has a theme of self-sacrifice to help another flourish (Sounds like Jesus!).

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

To Be A Fantastic Travel Blogger, Don’t Do This 1 Thing!

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

Do you ever look back on your life and think, “I must seem like a complete nutcase to someone else?”

I was driving from Canada to the United States on Stage One of this new identity as a “Successful Travel Blogger” this week when that EXACT same thing happened to me!

The Border Guard asked me why I was travelling to the United States. I was using all my self-control to ensure I wouldn’t get the giggles again like a teenager when the Border Guard asked me questions, and my nervousness took over like the last time I crossed the border. (That’s another story my children still annoyingly talk about incredibly frequently!) However, this time, in my calm, adult way as exemplified HERE, I answered his questions directly and without giving additional information.

“California,” I answered.

His annoying questions persisted, and before long, I found myself babbling about Revivals. “Have you heard of the Jesus Revolution?” I found myself asking the Border Guard excitedly. You see, I have been studying Revival History this year, and my travels are taking me to California to meet with others who have also been digging deep into Revival History. 

I am fully aware that this activity seems like a completely nutso way to spend your day to most of the world.

But it also reminds me of the unusual new world I entered when I jumped off the cliff and began following Jesus on a spiritual adventure in my university days.

“This is an entirely different world,” I endlessly repeated in my culture shock, babbling about our weekend get-togethers to whoever would listen. None of us university students would get drunk, and instead, we would spend our weekend evenings in times of prayer and tears, sharing our hearts after dancing at a toga party. It was an unusual mix of fun and depth.

And I’m still following God on an adventure that is a bit of a culture shock to the people I meet.

It’s funny what you get used to!

And it’s great how much fun life becomes when you stop caring whether you fit into the same box as everyone else.

And so, what is the one thing we shouldn’t do as a travel blogger?

Not care quite so much what people think of us so we can soar into the adventure God calls each of us to.

And so, another time, I’ll tell you more about how I’m persisting in being an amazing travel blogger so hopefully, you will put me on a pedestal and think very highly of me!

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Photo Credits – Person Thinking by Paola Aguilar on Unsplash, Bird Soaring Off Cliff by Ruben Valenzuela on Unsplash, Bird Soaring In Sky by Alfonso Betancourt on Unsplash

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

Blind to What Actually Matters Most? The Forgotten Step You Need To Soar

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
a horse standing on a beach next to the ocean

Last time, I told you the story of me getting connected with an online group aiming to dig deep spiritually, past the muck and hard earth and to help each other shovel as deep as the soft parts of our hearts, where God feels most welcome.

So, to connect with this online group in person, I’ll be boarding an airplane this week, waving goodbye to you all and STARTING – Wait, I mean CONTINUING of course! – my new identity as a travel blogger!

But there’s a bit more to the story, a part reflecting how God is already there working in all of our lives, and to see this, we need only open our eyes.

This is what happened.

I mentioned last time that I sensed God asking me to join this online group, and I was surprised that God actually knows what He is doing and even knows more than I do! The surprise was that I fit right into a group of people with similar backgrounds, that God was wooing, it appeared, in a similar direction. I had no idea where to begin looking for a group like that, and wouldn’t have thought to try. And over the months, I felt more connected in this group and felt called to continue walking and digging deep with these people.

There’s a story and a surprise kiss from God at this part of the story, too.

Last summer, I thought I sensed God asking us to eliminate clutter in our home. As I sold stuff, I felt Him nudge me, saying He wanted me to buy something for myself with the money I earned. But what? I couldn’t think of anything, which may sound funny, but is true. Do we always need more stuff from Walmart or different clothes when duct tape makes stuff last sooo much longer? (Did I mention I’m Canadian?)

But then, when I realized a few months later that I wanted to take more courses with these people, I counted the cost, and the amount for me to study the courses for the year was within about $10 of what I earned from selling stuff last summer.

As the icing on the cake, I received an email from the group administrator last week saying that I miscalculated the PayPal fees and owe them another $10.

So what?

A coincidence?

Maybe.

Or maybe God is opening my eyes and vicariously opening your eyes, that He DOES offer us little jewels along our path if our eyes are open.

And so what is the forgotten step to removing spiritual blinders?

ask

you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it

Ancient Text

As the song below plays, ask God what He has been whispering, but your ears lie on the floor. Where is He standing next to you with a key to solve a problem that disturbs your soul, but you are too busy to stop and notice Him standing next to you?

Help us, God, to remove the blinders from our eyes and the cotton balls from our ears so that we can soar into who we are meant to become, we pray.

a large bird flying through a blue sky

Photo Credits: Horse With Blinders by rhoda alex on Unsplash, Large Bird Soaring by Alfonso Betancourt on Unsplash

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

Want To Be A “Successful” Travel Blogger? (So Do I!)

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
smiling man walking while looking side view

I’m shading my eyes with one hand because the sun is so bright!

I’m looking into next week.

Next week, I am heading off on an airplane to California!

We know that I am a “successful” travel blogger as proven definitely HERE (Note to Editor – Can that link be “accidentally” malfunctioning so that readers can’t READ that Newsletter? Thanks!)

Where am I off to this week, you ask with wonder and awe?

Well, since you ask, I can share the details of my travel itinerary with you!

Last fall, I felt the spirit of God nudging me to join an online course with a spiritual focus.

I thought, “I’ll sign up later”, returning to my popcorn and movie. But I probably wouldn’t. That night, the last night you could register as the class started the next day, I felt Jesus holding his hand and leading me into the kitchen and to my iPhone to sign up.

At the first online meeting the next day, I was grumpy for even being there. “What am I doing here?” I wondered. I was later stunned, as you can imagine, when I heard the teacher say, “It seems God is leading some people together who have a Masters degree or a PhD that God is calling into writing.”

I hadn’t told them I had a Master’s degree that I tossed aside because it seemed God was leading me elsewhere. (Yes, the identity crisis did come, but that’s another story). The course had nothing to do with writing.

The point is that God has me on a journey (As he has you on). Would I follow?

Will you?

That group is meeting up this week in California to press in for more of God’s kingdom expressed through the hard earth and thick skulls all humans possess.

Is your heart searching for more of something, and could it be God, too, friend?

If so, join us on an adventure.

As the song below plays, listen with the ears connected to your heart. Do you sense God calling you, after you set aside your fear for a minute or two? What’s your next step?

And I’ll post updates on our travels and escapades here this week as a special focus.1

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

1 Or I mean because I am a TRUE travel blogger (Note for my editor- Do you think they will believe me that I am “successful” even if my definition of success may not EXACTLY MATCH other’s definitions?)

To Become Strong At The Gym, Look Down On These 3 Types Of People!

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
topless man holding black and white ceramic mug

Most people fail at the gym because they look down on the wrong people at the wrong time.

The proper way to be successful at the gym is to choose WHO EXACTLY to look down on, and WHEN. Let me explain. A new guy in our gym class worked out using too much weight and bad form.

I saw him nursing a sore bicep immediately following this exercise.

The reason why so many people pump too much weight at the beginning before they have strength or skill in lifting is because, of course, they don’t want others to look down on them.

But here’s the little twist of fate that makes all that sweat at the gym worthwhile after a few months:

If you can suffer through the humility of having others at the gym looking down on you for just a short season then . . .

You can be the one looking down on others VERY soon because you will have a strong physique, and someone new will show up at the gym, so you can (therefore, of course!) look down on the latest people in just a few months!

So the trick then, as mentioned in my opening sentence, is to:

CHOOSE CAREFULLY WHO EXACTLY YOU WANT TO LOOK DOWN ON AND WHEN.

However, MAYBE you’re one of those morally superior people who NEVER looks down on others or tells others that you think you are morally superior! Well GOOD for you! But since I’ve never met anyone like that, let’s keep discussing these points for the rest of us, “not-so-amazing ones”.

  1. The first type of people you CAN make fun of are those who think they are SO amazing.1 See the preceding paragraph. That is a given in any circumstance and irrelevant to the topic of the gym, but is worth reminding each other of, anyway. You’re welcome! Who else can you feel superior to?
  2. You can feel superior to people who DON’T go to the gym! “I went to the gym today,” you can drop, as a casual comment. That sentence is enough to garner respect from everyone you know! You MUST be, therefore: Accomplished!, Disciplined! Skilled! Try not to mention this in front of someone you ACTUALLY go to the gym with, lest they snicker when they remember you forgot to put the little stopper on the large barbell thing so the weight doesn’t fall off again or that you accidentally reached for your water bottle under the guy who was weightlifting, and he smacked the thing on your head (True story). Such details ruin the effects you are after.
  3. Not only is it wise to CHOOSE SPECIFIC PEOPLE you are aiming to feel superior to, but it is also wise to choose WHEN you will feel superior them! For example, you can feel superior to MANY people even AT the gym once you’ve gone there for a while!

And then we’ve come full circle, and now YOU are the one making fun of the new people at the gym!

PS – As an aside, I know this may be surprising to you, but I recently read a book that has a chapter about humility in it, and in fact, on reflection, the definition below from this book fits in perfectly with this Newsletter:

Humility (Definition): “The simple and freeing . . . assessment of who God is and who I am. It is rooted in our belovedness and adoption of the Father, so we aren’t tricked into timidity or start feeing like a worm.”

Lower by Zach Meerkreebs

So as another strategy, you could also get fit by going to the gym, working out, and not noticing or caring whether others are judging you or not, because you already found your self-esteem somewhere else!

However, this strategy seems impossible, so I don’t recommend the approach.

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

1 Try to do this humbly.

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

3 Hidden But Powerful Reasons Why You Love Dragonfly Décor

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

So discouraged. Head in hands. I haven’t seen the sun in weeks. It’s just cloudy skies day after day. I feel stuck inside this small room that confines me.

Where is the sunny sky, and how do these skinny arms transform into wings?

When is it my turn to fly?

I sit on the wooden box, my only piece of furniture in this cement box of a room and read.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

The Message

And a glimmer of sun – Is it? Peeking through the clouds?

I go outside, for the first time in weeks, to look up at the sky and get a closer look. I shield my eyes now, for the sun shines with unstoppable radiance through the clouds. The sun reaches EVEN ME.

And I am pierced to the heart with this light that illuminates my chest and then expands upward and downward as I stand, mesmerized, as the sun peaks more and more of its light through the clouds that reluctantly part.

white clouds and blue sky

Is that hope I sense on the horizon, too? My heart stirs a little at the sight of something blurry, something I can’t quite bring into focus past the horizon. (Have you looked yet beyond your horizons?)

calm water during golden hour

In your great love revive me . . . I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can’t contain your commands

The Message

I am warmer now, and I take off my sweater.

The sun’s rays, which are even brighter now, moments later, seem to warm me from the inside out.

Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?

The Message

The clouds part further, making room.

I reach deep, deep into my heart and pull out the weights that hold me to the earth.

I’ll take that, I sense the wind whispering.

Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders

The Message

And I feel an itch, now, and the urge to scratch at my back is almost unbearable . . .

The old skin falls off.

You’ll be changed from the inside out

The Message

And as I rest outside now, in the sun, my wings warming in the spring air, I feel almost enough hope to flap, flap my wings, as they dry here in the sun and then . . .

Do I have the courage to try them out?

Do you?

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar

The Message

a bug sitting on top of a green leaf

One species of dragonfly lives underwater for more than five years.

Yet some dragonfly species live only for a few short weeks on land.

Yet in this short time, dragonflies are a keystone species, meaning they play a crucial role in the health of their ecosystem.

And so, why do you, too, friend, love dragonfly décor?

  1. He is calling, calling you to more. Can you hear Him?
  2. There is a new season for you, too. Can you feel it?
  3. It matters to the ecosystem around you that you make the transition. Do you sense it?

P.S. – For more in-depth Fashion Analysis, check out my other Newsletters HERE, HERE and HERE.

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Photo Credits: Parting Clouds by Marieke Verhoeven on Unsplash, Horizon by by Lucas Davies on Unsplash, Dragonfly Alive by Buddha Elemental on Unsplash

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

YOU Are The Gift Your Children Are Guaranteed To Need

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
A person holding a bunch of flowers in their hand

To encourage you (Well, it MAY have been to encourage the unfillable void of my ego needs, but who’s counting?) I wrote two posts about Mother’s Day HERE and HERE!

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Kyah: “You are the best Mom.” Me: “Well thank you, Kyah, but I don’t think that’s true.” Kyah: “No one is perfect but you are the best Mom for me.”

And so we may not be perfect, but we are the best people God put in our lives for each other. I know that’s true with your family and friends, too! In this same spirit, know that despite the shortcomings that all of us (even me!) have, YOU are exactly the VERY BEST parent for the children God entrusted you to guide.

And to those of us who are waiting for a child, and this gift from God has not arrived yet, we send you our love and pray you are as blessed with your waiting or adoption journey as we have been.

God places the lonely in families

Ancient Text

As you listen to the song below, consider pouring out your heart to God concerning your children, the ones He has already placed in your arms and the ones you are hoping He will put in your arms.

Let’s join hands and help each other as we walk with courage on the journeys God calls each of us into.

Our examples, even with (mainly because of) our many falls, free our children.

three yellow-and-green birds

God, we pray each one of us would have the courage to take the next step on our journeys following You, we pray. Holy Spirit, would you comfort and help us when we fall? Jesus, we pray that we rest in our identities as EXACTLY the right people that our children need, as we follow You, we pray.

Photo Credits: The Child’s Boquet by Mark Stuckey on Unsplash, Birds Flying by gang coo on Unsplash

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

How To Make The ULTIMATE Homeschool (Or Life) Rhythm You Need

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

a neon sign that reads life goes on

I was sipping a drink, my shoulders draped with a blanket. I can’t QUITE bring myself to stay inside as much anymore, as the days are getting a bit warmer, reminding me with the warming breeze that the school days are ending soon.

I pondered the successes and challenges of the past homeschooling year, hoping that the total number of wins outscored the total number of defeats.

Click HERE to continue reading.

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!